Abstract: A bone plate according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a body portion. The body portion includes a first slotted portion extending at least partially through the body portion and a plurality of teeth adjacent the first slotted portion for engaging a driver in the first slotted portion. The body portion also includes a second slotted portion extending at least partially through the body portion and a ramped portion at least partially surrounding the second slotted portion. The ramped portion tapers from an outer surface of the body portion toward an inner surface of the body portion.

Abstract: The present subject disclosure provides a novel design for devices and methods for straightening a curved spine by using a reduction tool to move the spine with respect to an attached bone plate.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a bone fixation system comprising: a bone anchor with a tapered head, the head being threaded; and a plate that includes a void, the void including one of a counterbore or a countersink; wherein: (a) no portion of the void is threaded; (b) the void includes an inner wall; (c) the inner wall includes reliefs along its perimeter. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: System and method for fixing a distal femur having a Hoffa fracture. The system may comprise a main plate, an outrigger plate, and a coupling member that mounts the outrigger plate to the main plate. In an exemplary method, an elongated body portion of the main plate may be secured to a shaft region of the distal femur, and a wider head portion of the main plate may be secured to an end region of the distal femur. The outrigger plate may be mounted on the head portion of the main plate, and an arm of the outrigger plate may be fastened to a condylar fragment of the femur with one or more fasteners, such that the outrigger plate spans and stabilizes the Hoffa fracture.

Abstract: A bone reduction instrument includes first and second members moveably coupled to each other such that ends of the first and second members are positionable in first and second positions. In the second position the first and second members are closer to each other than in the first position. The instrument also includes a support member disposed at the end of the first member and includes a plate retaining portion extending from the first member in a direction toward the second member. The plate retaining portion includes wall portions that define a space therebetween configured to receive a bone plate so that the bone plate is held between the wall portions when the bone plate is disposed within the space.

Abstract: Assemblies for securing fractured bone are provided. The assembly includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an adjustable flexible member construct. The first fixation element having a male or a female sleeve is secured within a first portion of the fractured bone. The second fixation element having the other of the male or female sleeve telescopically received within the one of the male or female sleeve is secured within a second portion of the fractured bone. The adjustable flexible member construct extends between the first and second fixation elements and has at least one adjustable loop coupled to the first fixation element and the second fixation element and a pair of adjusting ends extending through an opening in the first fixation element. The pair of adjusting ends can be pulled to reduce a diameter of the adjustable loop and to compress fragments of the fractured bone.

Abstract: An osteo-implant including two end portions, at least one middle structure, and a plurality of connection portions is provided. The middle structure is disposed between the two end portions and includes a plurality of middle portions. The middle portions are connected to the two end portions through the connection portions. When the two end portions are moved relatively along an axial direction of the osteo-implant, the two end portions drive the middle portions to push with each other and have displacements along a radial direction of the osteo-implant through the connection portions, such that an outer diameter of the osteo-implant is increased by the middle portions.

Abstract: An anchor bolt driver device for fixing and removing anchor bolts utilized in neurosurgery. The anchor bolt driver device has a handle portion and a shaft extending therefrom. A socket of a predetermined configuration is formed at the terminal end of the shaft and a pin structure having a predetermined configuration extends outward and axially through the socket. The socket and pin structure are constructed and arranged to receive an anchor bolt for the threading engagement with the skull of a patient.

Abstract: An energy treatment device includes a treatment portion that receives a supply of energy and treats a treatment target, a controller that controls the supply of energy with respect to the treatment portion, a converter that is configured to receive heat energy generated with the treatment of the treatment target, and to convert a temperature difference into an electric energy, and a receiver that receives the electric energy converted at the converter.

Abstract: Low level laser energy may be delivered transmucosally to the vagina or other pelvic tissue. Such a device and its method of use may lead to healing of tissue, reduction of inflammation and pain, reduction in bladder problems such as urgency, frequency, and urinary incontinence, reshaping of tissue, and creation of a fertile environment for the potential implantation of stem cells. A probe may be moved in and out of the vagina in order to deliver the energy to the selected tissues. The probe may have a bulbous distal end that provides laser energy in a uniform 360 degree pattern or as close to 360 degrees of illumination as is structurally possible. Alternate embodiments may emit laser energy anywhere within the range from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. The scope of the present invention further includes the possibility of substituting alternate energy sources in place of laser energy.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument having an end effector mounted on the end of an elongate shaft extending from a handle. The end-effector has different operations, including grasping, cutting, and sealing and/or coagulating tissue, and one of the operations is controlled by a drive handle mechanism. The drive handle mechanism includes an actuator, a drive shaft and a spring assembly for transferring movement of the actuator to the drive shaft, which in turn controls the end effector. The drive handle mechanism limits the amount of force transferred from the drive handle mechanism to the end effector, preventing damage to the tissue. As the actuator is operated, the spring assembly transfers the movement of the actuator to the drive shaft and the end effector. At the same time, the spring assembly compresses to absorb some of the force applied. Such configuration prevents the tissue being unintentionally damaged by the end effector.

Abstract: Surgical access devices are provided having jaw assemblies that maintain a uniform spacing between the jaws and are electrically isolated from each other in a closed configuration. The devices provided for generally include one or more electrically insulative stops associated with a tissue engaging surface of one of the jaws, with the stops being configured to engage the tissue engaging surface of the opposed jaw. The stops set a uniform spacing between the jaws in the closed configuration, and provide electrical isolation. The stops can be disposed in intermediate, proximal, and/or distal portions of the jaw(s), and can be disposed at multiple locations of the jaw(s). The stops can come in many different forms and can be associated with jaws using a variety of techniques. Further, other embodiments, as well as methods for clamping tissue by providing a uniform gap between jaws during each closure stroke, are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for ablation has multiple dedicated irrigation tubings to supply fluid to their respective electrode or set of electrodes. The tubings provide parallel flow pathways through the catheter where irrigation fluid is delivered to irrigated tip and/or ring electrodes which can accomplish uni-polar or bi-polar ablation. Such separate and dedicated fluid pathways allow fluid to be delivered to the corresponding electrode or set of electrodes at different flow rates. An integrated ablation system using such catheter has an ablation energy source and an irrigation pump with multiple pump heads that can operate independently of each other. An integrated irrigation tubing set is included to extend between the fluid source and the catheter, with each pump head being able to act on a different tubing that delivers fluid to a different electrode or set of electrodes.

Abstract: A catheter is configured to access a renal artery. A lumen of the catheter's shaft is dimensioned to receive a flexible actuation member which extends between the shaft's proximal and distal ends. The actuation member is moveable within the lumen and subject to elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip along its length. A flexible support member is coupled to a distal end of the actuation member and extendible beyond a distal tip of the shaft. An RF ablation electrode at a distal end of the support member is configured to ablated perivascular renal nerve tissue. A position converter at the distal end of the shaft is configured to convert movement of the actuation member into one or both of controlled rotational and axial movement of the support member and electrode to one of a multiplicity of stable circumferential positions substantially free of elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip impacting actuation member movement.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween. A radiating portion is also included having an unbalanced dipole antenna including a proximal portion and a distal portion that are of different lengths. The proximal portion includes at least a portion of the inner conductor and the inner insulator and the distal portion includes a conductive member.

Abstract: A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device.

Abstract: A data processing method performed by a computer for judging implant orientation data representing an orientation of a first implant part relative to a first bone, the first implant part being part of an implant pair which further comprises a second implant part for a second bone, the implant pair being envisaged to be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: A method for preparing surgical kits for use during a surgery includes preparing a pre-operative surgical plan for a patient and selecting a set of surgical instruments based on the pre-operative surgical plan. The set of surgical instruments includes at least a general instrument, a first size-specific instrument, a patient-specific instrument, and a surgeon-specific instrument. The general instrument is selected from a predetermined group of off-the-shelf instruments. The first size-specific instrument has a first size selected from predetermined sizes. The patient-specific instrument includes a three-dimensional contoured engagement surface configured to nest into a portion of a native anatomy in a single location. The surgeon-specific instrument is selected based on a surgeon preference and is a different instrument than the selected general instrument, first size-specific instrument, and patient-specific instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image registration and an augmented reality system and an augmented reality method thereof which is suitable for solving the problem of spatial localization of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in arthroscopic surgery. The system comprises a three-dimensional scanning model building device, a stereoscopic image photographing device, a projection device and an arithmetic unit. The three-dimensional scanning model was constructed by preoperative or intraoperative imaging of the patient, and the surface three-dimensional model constructed by the stereoscopic image photographing device was spatially aligned to remove the surface (skin layer) of the three-dimensional image to display the TMJ image. Through the calibration of the stereoscopic image photographing device and the projection device, accurate, three-dimensional TMJ image location information is projected onto the patient's body to achieve the purpose.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using an optical head mounted display are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a navigation system for dental and cranio-maxillofacial surgery, comprising a surgical handpiece (2), an imaging unit (4) which is movably attached to the surgical handpiece (2), and a marker member (6; 44, 46) which is attachable to a cranial bone, a facial bone (26), a tooth or teeth of a patient. The marker member (6; 44, 46) comprises a plurality of marker elements (8, 10; 46) which are detectable by the imaging unit (4). Further, the invention relates to a positioning tool (40) for use with the navigation system, wherein the positioning tool (40) is configured for positioning the marker member (44, 46) on a patient's cranial bone, facial bone (26), tooth or teeth and comprises a die element (42) and the marker member (44, 46).

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing trackerless image guided soft tissue surgery. For a patient in need of brain surgery, pre-operative preparation for a patient is performed by generating a three-dimensional textured point cloud (TPC) for the patient's scalp surface, and registering the first three-dimensional TPC to a magnetic resonance (MR) model of the brain. During the surgery, an intra-operative cortical surface registration to the MR model is performed for the MR-to-cortical surface alignment. Then shift measurement and compensation to the MR model is performed by: performing absolute deformation measurement of the brain based on the MR model with the cortical surface registration, and obtaining shift correction to the MR model using the absolute deformation measurements. The shift correction may be used for adjusting an image guidance system (IGS) in the brain surgery.

Abstract: A system for providing a real-time indication of a location of the distal tip of a medical device in living tissue. The system may include an injection scanning printer that provides a visual indication of detected features to improve the injecting process. Safety needles configured to detect nerves, arteries, veins, or other physiological features upon needle placement but prior to injecting are also provided.

Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus comprises processing circuitry configured to: obtain a three-dimensional (3D) image that is representative of an anatomical region of a subject; acquire a stream of two-dimensional images that are representative of the anatomical region of the subject; set a first rendering direction by performing a 2D/3D registration procedure in respect of the 3D image and a 2D image of the stream of 2D images; generate a first rendered image from the 3D image based on the first rendering direction; and for each of a plurality of subsequent 2D images of the stream of 2D images, determine whether a condition is satisfied, the condition being dependent on at least one of a 2D misalignment and a time since last 2D/3D registration procedure; when the registration condition is satisfied, select one of the subsequent 2D images; reset the rendering direction to obtain a second rendering direction by performing a 2D/3D registration procedure in respect of the 3D image and the selected 2D image;

Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

Abstract: A surgical method and workflow to improve the efficiency of a surgical procedure by intraoperatively acquiring a digital radiographic image, processing the digital radiographic image, and using information based on the radiographic image to make adjustments during the surgical procedure. A checklist of parameters may be displayed so that the surgeon can confirm all considerations have been made for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A medical system for use in a lithotripsy procedure may include a processor configured to receive input from a first imaging device, wherein the first imaging device may be configured to send image data representative of an image captured in a lumen of a kidney, bladder, or ureter to the processor. The processor may be configured to display the image on a display device coupled to the processor, and analyze the image to sense the presence of an object within the image. If an object was sensed within the image, the processor may analyze the image to estimate a size of the object, and display the estimate on the display device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system includes at least one robot arm, a camera, and a console. The console includes a first handle, a second handle, and a selector switch configured to select between a robotic control mode and a camera control mode. In the system the first handle or the second handle control the at least one robot arm in the robotic control mode and the first handle and the second handle control the camera in the camera control mode.

Abstract: Various exemplary surgical tool wrists are provided. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft and a wrist that couples an end effector to a distal end of the shaft. The surgical tool can include multiple elongate members configured to move, either individually or as a group of two or more of the elongate members, to cause movement of the end effector relative to the shaft. Each of the surgical tool's elongate members can be configured to extend along a helical path. Each of the elongate members can extend proximally from its associated helical path to a pulley at the wrist. The helical paths can be configured to guide the elongate members to approach and engage their respective pulleys at a substantially zero angle.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to robotic surgical systems and devices that use force and/or torque sensors to measure forces applied at various components of the system or device. Certain implementations include robotic surgical devices having one or more force/torque sensors that detect or measure one or more forces applied at or on one or more arms. Other embodiments relate to systems having a robotic surgical device that has one or more sensors and an external controller that has one or more motors such that the sensors transmit information that is used at the controller to actuate the motors to provide haptic feedback to a user.

Abstract: An implant positioning device and a method of using the device are described. The positioning device includes an end effector configured to contact an implant component during a surgical procedure, the end effector connected to an actuator for imparting an impact force to the implant component during the surgical procedure, a motor mechanically connected to the actuator and configured to move the actuator to produce one or more impacts on the end effector, thereby imparting the impact force to the implant component, and a control circuit coupled to the motor. The control circuit is configured to generate at least one motor control signal, transfer the at least one motor control signal to the motor, and, as a result of the at least one motor control signal, cause the motor to move the actuator to produce one or more impacts on the end effector.

Abstract: A method for repairing a bone of a patient may include superimposing a first virtual boundary on a virtual bone and superimposing a second virtual boundary on the virtual bone. The method may further include robotically modifying the bone of the patient with a planar tool along a first working boundary to create a first surface. The first working boundary may correspond to the first virtual boundary. The method may further include robotically modifying the bone of the patient with a rotary tool along a second working boundary to create a second surface. The second working boundary may correspond to the second virtual boundary.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic manipulator comprising an arm and an end effector coupled to the arm and being moveable by the arm for interacting with a target site in a manual mode and an autonomous mode of operation. A navigation system is configured to track a position of the end effector and the target site. One or more controllers are configured to define a first virtual boundary relative to the target site, prevent the end effector from penetrating the first virtual boundary in the manual mode, and allow the end effector to penetrate the first virtual boundary in the autonomous mode.

Abstract: A system includes manipulators and a controller. The controller is configured to detect mounting of an imaging device to a first manipulator of the manipulators, determine a first reference frame for the imaging device based on the mounting of the imaging device to the first manipulator, control a tool relative to the first reference frame by controlling a relative position and orientation of a tip of the tool relative to the imaging device in the first reference frame by correlating movement of a master input control to movement of the tool in the first reference frame, detect mounting of the imaging device to a second manipulator of the manipulators, the second manipulator being different from the first manipulator, determine a second reference frame for the imaging device based on the mounting of the imaging device to the second manipulator, and control the tool relative to the second reference frame.

Abstract: A therapeutic garment for treatment of over-shunting headaches and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the therapeutic garment includes a waistband and an abdominal portion that extends from the waistband to encircle the abdomen and hips from the groin to the costal margin of a person wearing the therapeutic garment. A binder portion, having open and closed positions, is coincident to the abdominal portion. In the closed position, the binder distends the epidural venous plexus of the person wearing the therapeutic garment. A closure mechanism is configured to selectively alternate the binder between the open and closed positions. The therapeutic garment may further be fashioned into a brief, a tank top, or include leg extensions.

Abstract: A drive assembly of an instrument drive unit, is provided. The drive assembly includes a drive screw, a drive nut, a follower, a biasing element, and a drive element. The drive nut is threadedly engaged with a threaded portion of the drive screw such that rotation of the drive screw results in longitudinal movement of the drive nut. The follower is longitudinally slidable with respect to the drive screw. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive nut and the follower. The drive element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the follower. Longitudinal translation of the drive element is configured to drive a function of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical drape is provided that has a drape body that has an upper surface and an oppositely disposed lower surface. The drape body has a forward edge and an oppositely disposed rearward edge. The drape body has a centerline that extends from the forward edge to the rearward edge. A guardrail is located at the upper surface of the drape body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a barrier to a medical scope are provided. An apparatus may comprise a source of film and a housing. The housing may comprise a chamber configured to support therein the source of film, and an opening provided through a wall of the housing to permit a portion of the film to extend out of the chamber when the film is dispensed. The housing may comprise a recess located such that the extended portion of the film is permitted to hang freely in proximity to the recess. The recess may be sized to receive a distal portion of the medical scope. The recess may be adapted to allow the extended portion of the film to be applied to the distal portion of the medical scope when the distal portion is placed into the recess with the portion of the film located therebetween.

Abstract: A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device may include a tube having substantially cylindrical body defining an enclosure and having an open end. The tube may include measurement units printed along at least one side. The device may further include a stopper element releasably coupled to the open end of the cylindrical body and configured to selectively engage a needle to mark a length of the needle.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices to facilitate insertion of a lead for cardiac therapy into an intercostal space associated with the cardiac notch of a patient are described including devices, methods and medical procedure templates to facilitate insertion proximate to a lateral margin of the patient's sternum.

Abstract: A device for surgical assistance is disclosed. The device comprising one or more rails, and a plurality of side posts. The rails are configured to attach to a hand table via one or more engagement members. The plurality of the side post comprises an upper part and a lower part. The lower part of the said side post is engaged to the rails via a clamp mechanism. The upper part of the said side post is configured to hold surgical equipment. Further, each of the side post is height adjustable. The device further comprises a rail extension system, which is attached to an end portion of rails lying close to a trunk portion of the patient.

Abstract: An all-in-one cleaner is disclosed. An all-in-one cleaner, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a cleaner body; a soaking unit which is provided on one side of the cleaner body and carries out a soaking step on a subject to be cleaned; a washing unit which is provided near the soaking unit and carries out a washing step on the subject to be cleaned, for which the soaking step has been completed; and a rinsing unit which is provided near the washing unit and carries out a rinsing step on the subject to be cleaned, for which the washing step has been completed.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning instruments, which provides removal and collection of material from one or more surgical instruments. The cleaning apparatus may be a dry cleaning process or offered in conjunction with one or more fluids. In one embodiment, the cleaning apparatus continuously purges blood, bone and other debris quickly and may comprise a system for removing reusable material from the cleaning process for reuse.

Abstract: A dual aligner assembly including a plurality of aligners, including a first aligner and a second aligner. The first aligner has a first shape corresponding to a set of target tooth positions and applies an orthodontic force against a set of target teeth. The first orthodontic force generates movement of the set of target teeth to the set of target tooth positions. The second aligner has a second shape corresponding to a combination of current tooth positions of the set of target teeth, the set of target tooth positions, and a thickness of the first aligner. The second aligner partially encloses the first aligner and provides an anchor for at least a portion of the first aligner. Via the anchor, a combination of the first aligner and the second aligner provides an orthodontic force that prevents the set of target teeth from moving to unwanted tooth positions during orthodontic treatment.

Abstract: A palatal expansion appliance includes one pair of bone screw joints arranged to face each other, each of the one pair of bone screw joints extending in one direction and having a plurality of bone screw holes formed thereon, and a driving portion arranged between the one pair of bone screw joints, in which, as at least a part of the driving portion is moved in one direction, the one pair of bone screw joints are moved in another direction.

Abstract: Provided is an implant unit, and more particularly, a dental implant unit. The implant unit includes a fixture assembled to an alveolar bone; and an abutment assembled to the upper portion of the fixture, wherein the fixture includes a space defined by a groove-like structure formed in depth direction from the lower portion of the fixture facing the alveolar bone.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for determining surface topography of a three-dimensional structure. The apparatus can include a probe and an illumination unit configured to output a plurality of light beams. In many embodiments, the apparatus includes a light focusing assembly. The light focusing assembly can receive and focus each of a plurality of light beams to a respective external focal point. The light focusing assembly can be configured to overlap the plurality of light beams within a focus changing assembly in order to move the external focal points along a direction of propagation of the light beams. The apparatus can include a detector having an array of sensing elements configured to measure a characteristic of each of a plurality of light beams returning from the illuminated spots and a processor coupled to the detector and configured to generate data representative of topography of the structure based on the measured characteristic.

Abstract: A method, a system and a user interface for creating a digital restoration design for the manufacture of a dental restoration for one or more of a patient's teeth where minimal manual interaction is required when setting the restoration margin line includes obtaining a digital 3D representation of the patient's unprepared teeth; obtaining a set of one or more digital teeth anatomies; arranging the digital teeth anatomies and the digital 3D representation according to a preferred relative arrangement and creating a digital restoration design including a restoration margin line, where the restoration margin line is derived at least partly from an intersection of the digital 3D representation and the digital teeth anatomies.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a dental prosthesis (1), intended to fill an area of a first jaw, the first jaw being an identical reproduction of at least one part of an edentulous jaw (4) of an individual, the area being capable of receiving at least one tooth (3), the first jaw incorporating a protruding element (11), the method comprising: a first step of depositing the first portion (5) of a material on the area of the first jaw, in such a way that the first portion of deposited material can be hooked to the projecting element, the material being capable of preserving its shape after deposit; a step of attaching the tooth to the first portion of the deposited material.